Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on Alternative and Clean Energy invest in companies involved in the production, development, and distribution of renewable energy sources. These include solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen and other sustainable energy forms. These ETFs aim to provide investors exposure to the clean energy sector, reflecting a shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.
Disappointing Performance
Since the start of 2023, Clean Energy ETFs have faced serious challenges that have led investors to some disillusionment. Last year, the Solar Energy, Alternative Energy, and Wind Energy themes suffered losses of 28%, 22%, and 13% respectively. Unfortunately, the trend continues in 2024, casting a shadow over the sector's immediate profitability and growth prospects.
Impact of High Interest Rates
One of the critical headwinds for Clean Energy funds is the “higher-for-longer” interest rate environment. Interest rates significantly affect sectors like clean energy, where companies often rely on borrowing to finance growth and development projects. As rates climb, the cost of borrowing increases, putting pressure on profit margins and, consequently, stock performance. Despite initial optimism for a rate cut in the first quarter of 2024, such hopes have been dampened following last announcements from the Federal Reserve and the ECB, further exerting pressure on the sector. In this regard, it is crucial to remember that the yield on the US 10-year Treasury Bond has risen by 37 basis points to 4.25% during the period. Meanwhile, the effective Federal funds rate stands at 5.33%, notably higher than the rate of inflation.
The year-to-date performance of Clean Energy ETFs paints a grim picture, hovering around the -15% mark. This reflects not just the sector-specific challenges but also broader economic conditions influencing investor sentiment and market dynamics. While the current outlook for Clean Energy ETFs seems bearish given the prevailing conditions, the long-term perspective remains influenced by policy shifts toward sustainability and technological advancements in the renewable sector.
As an illustration, iShares Global Clean Energy UCITS ETF (DNRG), Invesco Solar Energy UCITS ETF (ISUN) and L&G Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF (HTWO) lost 6.13%, 10.76% and 2.35% for the week, bringing their year-to-date performance to -10.65%, -19.78%, and -3.48% respectively.
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